FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to construction assemblies and associated components; and in particular, to a modular truss system that shifts load imposed from a truss structure from a face of an adjacent wall structure.
BACKGROUND
A truss or truss structure is generally described as an assembly of members such as beams, joists, or other structural elements that are connected and/or arranged to form a rigid structure for providing support for, e.g., a roof. The truss is typically elevated and supported by walls or wall elements formed perpendicular to a floor surface. However, conventional connections between a truss and adjacent wall structures can create uneven load distribution, and present unnecessary fire risks.
It is with these observations in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is an example modular truss system presented in an unassembled configuration with sample components separated for ease of illustration.
FIG. 1B is perspective view of the system components of FIG. 1A in a connected configuration to support a truss structure.
FIG. 2A is a REAR perspective view of the embed plate of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2B is a FRONT perspective view of the embed plate of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the truss hanger of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a wall structure with the truss hanger mounted to the same.
FIG. 5A is a SECTION view of the wall structure of FIG. 4 with portions cut-away to illustrate example alignment and orientation of associated components.
FIG. 5B is another SECTION view of the wall structure of FIG. 4 with example (non-limiting) dimensions.
FIG. 6 is the SECTION view shown in FIG. 4 with concrete disposed along the embed plate as described herein.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of the truss hanger system fully assembled indicating an example connection with a truss structure.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements among the view of the drawings. The headings used in the figures do not limit the scope of the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments of a truss hanger system and associated methods are disclosed herein. In general, the truss hanger system can take the form of a construction assembly including a truss hanger and an embed plate. The truss hanger is configured to support a truss structure, and the embed plate is configured for mounting to a predetermined position over a wall structure and configured to engage the truss hanger to maintain the truss hanger in a fixed position relative to the wall structure. The embed plate shifts load associated with the truss structure from a face of the wall structure to studs of the embed plate.
Referring to FIG. 1A, a general example of a truss hanger system 100 is illustrated in an unassembled configuration. As indicated, the truss hanger system 100 includes an embed plate 102 configured for engagement to a truss hanger 104. The truss hanger 104 is configured to be positioned along a predetermined position relative to a wall element 106 or general wall structure, such as the Hercuwall® a modular wall system made from concrete, steel, and EPS. Interconnecting the embed plate 102, the truss hanger 104, and the wall element 106 forms the assembled configuration shown in FIG. 1B to support a truss structure. FIG. 1B further indicates that the truss hanger system 100 can include a box beam 108 which may also include a concrete form or cage, as further described herein.
Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, one example of the embed plate 102 is illustrated. In general, the embed plate 102 includes a base 110 such as a steel plate with one or more studs 112 or pins extending from a first side 114 of the base 110 opposite a second side 116. The studs 112 can be welded to the base 110 or can be formed integrally with the base 110 during manufacturing. The studs 112 can be Nelson studs made for shear connection in concrete. In general, the embed plate 102 is configured for attaching steel to concrete.
Referring to FIG. 3, an example of the truss hanger 104 is shown. As indicated, the truss hanger 104 can include a middle portion 120 and a pair of flanges 122, designated flange 122A and flange 122B formed along lateral ends of the middle portion 120 as indicated. In some examples, the truss hanger 104 defines a closed end 124, and an open end 126. The truss hanger 104 can include one or more apertures 128 formed along the middle portion 120 to accommodate interconnection or mounting to other components of the truss hanger system 100. The truss hanger 104 can define a first side 130 and a second side 132 as shown. In addition, the truss hanger 104 can have different shapes, designs to accommodate different truss structures (e.g., thicknesses, depths, etc.).
FIGS. 4-7 illustrate different phases of implementing the truss hanger system 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the truss hanger 104 is positioned along a first side 134 of the wall element 106 in the manner indicated such that the second side 132 of the truss hanger 104 is oriented towards the first side 134 of the wall structure element.
Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, the components of the system 100 shown can be arranged and positioned and the embed plate 102 can be mounted in the manner indicated prior to concrete deposition. In particular, the embed plate 102 can be mounted over the wall element 106 to the box beam 108, a concrete form, or rebar cage such that the studs 112 of the embed plate 102 extend over the wall element 106 (perpendicular relative to a height of the wall element 106). Using bolts or other fastening components, the truss hanger 104 can then be mounted to the embed plate 102 in the manner shown. As illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, once the truss hanger 104 is mounted to the embed plate 102, reinforced concrete can be disposed over the wall element 106 to encapsulate the studs 112 of the embed plate 102, and then a truss structure 140 can be mounted to the truss hanger 104. The embed plate 102 shifts load associated with the truss structure 140 from a face of the wall element 106 to the embedded studs 112 of the embed plate 102. In some examples, the system 100 is devoid of the rebar cage, and the embed plate 102 can be mounted to any generic/universal form for receiving concrete over the wall element 106.
It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular embodiments have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are within the scope and teachings of this invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.
Patent Application
20250003211
